College encouraged by alcohol pricing reports

Commenting on a report in The Sunday
Times and other media outlets that the Prime Minister is
expected to introduce a minimum price for alcohol, Dr Peter Rice,
Chair of RCPsych in Scotland, said:

"We are encouraged by reports over the weekend
that the Prime Minister is expected to back a minimum price for
alcohol. The Royal College of Psychiatrists is convinced by the
international evidence on the key role of price, and believes a
price of 50-60p per unit should be the starting point. Such a move
would be a powerful factor in reducing the toll of alcohol-related
harm and avoidable early deaths.

"The impact of alcohol dependence includes the contribution to
suicide and self-harm, and the effects of alcohol on the moods,
judgement, behaviour and functioning of consumers. Alcohol also has
an indirect effect on health and well-being of parnters, children,
other relatives and the wider community.

"There is already strong governmental support
for minimum pricing in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and we
hope the Prime Minster and his Cabinet colleagues will take a firm
line on the problem of low-cost alcohol. The College eagerly awaits
the government’s forthcoming alcohol strategy, and hope they will
take the opportunity to address the high and rising levels of
alcohol-related harm in our society."